SDT, Tri-Delt enter new homes

"Home sweet home" has taken on special meaning for the Delta Delta Delta and Sigma Delta Tau sororities, both of which kicked off the academic year in new campus residences. While both chapters are enjoying their new locations, moving does not come without complications, said members of both sororities last night. Tri-Delt President Melissa London said extensive clean-up measures were necessary to transform 3539 Locust Walk, formerly occupied by the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, into acceptable living quarters. "I came down in June, and it looked unfit to live in," said the College senior. "A lot of window panes were broken. There was a little vandalism, and incredible amounts of dirt." House Manager and College senior Miggy Lynd said the summer hiatus witnessed an entire overhaul of the house, including new paint, new laundry facilities and kitchen restorations. "Basically, the entire house had to be renovated," Lynd said. "There were a lot of structural problems. It was in a state of really bad maintenance." London said she has no reason to believe the damage was intentionally caused by Phi Kap members, who inhibited the house until their charter was revoked by their national chapter this summer. "I heard rumors people would come in and break things down," she said. "I have no reason to believe anyone in Phi Kap intentionally damaged the house." London said the residence was the victim of another malicious act last week when bottles and paint bombs were thrown at the house. "It concerns me," London said of the incident, which has resulted in increased surveillance of the house by University Police. "I would hope that [the brothers of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity] would understand that the decision to revoke their charter had nothing to do with us, and that any damage that's caused from now on will only hurt us," London added. SDT, another sorority keeping the construction establishments in business this summer, used the vacation time to ready their new house for September. "The house was completely renovated," said College junior Hayley Rosenman of the house at 39th and Walnut streets. "It was gutted and everything was painted." Residents are still awaiting completion of outside renovations as well as the arrival of a washer and dryer and completion of the kitchenette. But, College junior Susie Korn said these ongoing improvements do not pose any major problems. "There's really nothing wrong with it," she said, referring to the house. "There are just a few minor things that are still left to be done." Rosenman agreed. "It's definitely livable," she said.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.